<p>Diaper rash is usually caused by the skin coming into contact with urine and stool. Learn how to treat it and the best way to prevent your baby from getting it.</p>

<h2>What is diaper rash? </h2>
<p>Diaper rash is a skin irritation that affects babies or toddlers in the diaper area. Most often, it is due to contact between urine and stool with your baby's sensitive skin. Most babies will have at least one diaper rash before being toilet trained. </p>

<h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Diaper rashes are common in infants and toddlers.</li>
<li>Irritant diaper dermatitis is most common.</li>
<li>Keeping the area clean and dry will help prevent rashes.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Signs and symptoms of diaper rash</h2>
<p>A baby with diaper rash may show these signs or symptoms:</p>
<ul>
<li>red skin </li>
<li>irritated or painful skin </li>
<li>spots or blisters in the diaper area </li>
<li>mild diaper rash looks like pink patches on the skin.</li>
<li>more severe forms of the rash have bright red patches and may have open sores (these are often very painful)</li>
</ul>

<h2>Causes</h2>
<p>The most common cause of diaper rash is contact with urine and stool. This is called "irritant diaper dermatitis." It often occurs when the baby has <a href="/Article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a>. It most commonly affects the buttocks and thighs. Snug-fitting, plastic pants or diapers that prevent wetness from drying can make the rash worse.</p>
<p>Diaper rash can also be caused by yeast infection (Candida). This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist area such as skin creases. Yeast diaper dermatitis looks red, and often has small red spots around the edges. It is usually not painful. It can be caused or becomes worse when the baby is on antibiotics.</p>
<p>Other rashes can occur in the diaper area. These include <a href="/Article?contentid=773&language=English">eczema</a>, bacterial, viral and allergic rashes. They may also be seen on other parts of the body as well.</p>

<h2>Treatment</h2>
<p>Leave the diaper off. Expose your baby's skin to warm, dry air as much as you can.</p>
<p>When changing the diaper, wash your baby's bottom with mild soap and warm water, rinse and pat dry. It may be less painful for your baby if you wash the area in a warm bath. Avoid wipes with alcohol, this may cause more pain.</p>
<p>Use an unscented barrier ointment, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or zinc oxide to protect the area after each diaper change. Do not share creams with other children. Do not contaminate the cream. Wash your hands before putting them into the jar.</p>
<p>Candida (yeast) diaper dermatitis should be treated with a topical antifungal cream such as mycostatin or clotrimazole. </p>

<h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<p>Make an appointment with your child's doctor if the rash does not get better within a few days or if the baby seems unwell or has a fever. </p>

AboutKidsHealth is proud to partner with the following sponsors as they support our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Canada and around the world by making accessible health care information available via the internet.